Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for generating output image data. The method comprises receiving image data representing an input image, the input image containing at least one facial image. The method further comprises recognizing the facial image in the image data, and recognizing facial features of the facial image. The method further comprises generating data representing a makeup image based on the recognized facial features, the makeup image providing information assisting in the application of makeup. The method also comprises generating output image data representing the makeup image superimposed on the facial image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/980,630 (filed on Dec. 28, 2015), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/400,980 (filed on Feb. 21, 2012), whichclaims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-044274 (filed onMar. 1, 2011), which are all hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND Description of the Related Art

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus,an information processing method, an information processing system, anda program.

As schemes for supporting makeup, various makeup simulations forsimulating a state after makeup completion have been proposed.

For example, a method of displaying a simulation image obtained bychanging a state of roughness of skin such as wrinkles or pores in askin image of a user has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-openPublication No. 2006-133856. Accordingly, a noticeable degree ofimprovement for the wrinkles or the pores can be presented by usingspecific cosmetics. Further, an auxiliary apparatus for visualizing animpression of makeup in various lighting states in consideration ofdifferent impressions of makeup under indoor artificial light andoutdoor natural light has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-openPublication No. 2001-186923. Accordingly, the user can select the bestmakeup for any event.

Further, a makeup simulation apparatus for generating a state in whichdesired cosmetics have been applied by acquiring a two-dimensional faceimage of a subject, deforming a standard application shape, andsynthesizing the deformed standard application shape with the face imageof the subject has been proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-openPublication No. 2009-53981.

Technical Problem

However, since a synthesized image generated by the above-describedmakeup simulation is a still image from a front face, it is difficult toconfirm makeup simulation from several angles in real time. Further,although a state after makeup completion can be confirmed, it isdifficult to enter a simulated state by a user actually doing makeup.Accordingly, it is necessary to further improve a makeup support schemesuch as makeup simulation.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a novel and improved informationprocessing apparatus, information processing method, andcomputer-readable storage medium capable of improving a makeup supportscheme.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is provided an apparatus for generating output imagedata. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to receiveimage data representing an input image, the input image containing atleast one facial image. The apparatus further comprises a recognitionunit configured to recognize the facial image in the image data, andrecognize facial features of the facial image. The apparatus furthercomprises a makeup image generation unit configured to generate datarepresenting a makeup image based on the recognized facial features, themakeup image providing information assisting in the application ofmakeup. The apparatus also comprises a display generation unitconfigured to generate output image data representing the makeup imagesuperimposed on the facial image.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for generating outputimage data. The method comprises receiving image data representing aninput image, the input image containing at least one facial image. Themethod further comprises recognizing the facial image in the image data,and recognizing facial features of the facial image. The method furthercomprises generating data representing a makeup image based on therecognized facial features, the makeup image providing informationassisting in the application of makeup. The method also comprisesgenerating output image data representing the makeup image superimposedon the facial image.

In another aspect, there is provided a tangibly-embodied non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a processor, cause a computer to perform a method forgenerating output image data. The method comprises receiving image datarepresenting an input image, the input image containing at least onefacial image. The method further comprises recognizing the facial imagein the image data, and recognizing facial features of the facial image.The method further comprises generating data representing a makeup imagebased on the recognized facial features, the makeup image providinginformation assisting in the application of makeup. The method alsocomprises generating output image data representing the makeup imagesuperimposed on the facial image.

In yet another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for generatingoutput image data. The apparatus comprises receiving means for receivingimage data representing an input image, the input image containing atleast one facial image. The apparatus further comprises recognitionmeans for recognizing the facial image in the image data, andrecognizing facial features of the facial image. The apparatus furthercomprises makeup image generation means for generating data representinga makeup image based on the recognized facial features, the makeup imageproviding information assisting in the application of makeup. Theapparatus also comprises display generation means for generating outputimage data representing the makeup image superimposed on the facialimage

According to the embodiments described above, there are provided aninformation processing apparatus, information processing method, andcomputer-readable storage medium, for improving a makeup support scheme.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a makeup support apparatusaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of themakeup support apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a makeup support process performed by themakeup support apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a simulation presenting process shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control of themakeup support apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the makeupsupport apparatus according to the first embodiment and a user;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of makeup scheme information;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of display control of themakeup support apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of amakeup support apparatus in variant 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of a makeup supportapparatus in variant 2;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a makeup support systemaccording to a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the makeupsupport apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview'of a makeup support systemaccording to a third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the makeupsupport apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overview of a makeup support systemaccording to a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of makeupsupport apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

It is to be noted that the description is set forth below in accordancewith the following order.

-   1. First Embodiment

(1-1) Overview of Makeup Support Apparatus

(1-2) Example of Configuration of Makeup Support Apparatus

(1-3) Example of Flow of Process

(1-4) Example of AR Image

(1-5) Variant

-   2. Second Embodiment-   3. Third Embodiment-   4. Fourth Embodiment-   5. Fifth Embodiment-   6. Sixth Embodiment-   7. Summary

In recent years, technology called augmented reality (AR) forsuperimposing additional information onto the real world and presentingthe information o a user has been attracting attention. In the ARtechnology, the information presented to the user may be visualizedusing various forms of virtual objects such as text, icons or animation.A primary application field of the AR technology is the support of useractivities in the real world. In the following, the AR technology isapplied to a makeup support scheme. This can improve a makeup scheme ofa user.

The makeup support scheme using the AR technology is applicable to amakeup support system for simulating a state after makeup completion andpresenting a simulation result to a user. Further, in the system, themakeup support scheme using the AR technology displays a procedureduring makeup as well as after makeup completion in consideration of thedifficulty a general user has in applying actual makeup according to thesimulation, thereby further improving the makeup support scheme.

A system for improving a makeup scheme using a makeup support apparatusthat is an example of an information processing apparatus will bedescribed in <1. First Embodiment> to <6. Sixth Embodiment>.

1. First Embodiment (1-1) Overview of Makeup Support Apparatus

First, an overview of a makeup support apparatus 1 according to a firstembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.1, the makeup support apparatus according to the present embodiment is atablet-type terminal including a touch panel display. Accordingly, adisplay unit 18 not only has a display function, but also a function ofa manipulation unit 19 for receiving a manipulation input from a user.In an example shown in FIG. 1, a face image of the user is captured by acamera 10 provided in the makeup support apparatus 1. An AR image inwhich a virtual makeup image is superimposed on the face image isdisplayed on the display unit 18. Here, the face image of the user is animage in a real space, and the makeup image is a virtual objectsuperimposed on a video of the real space.

The series of control processes carried out by the makeup supportapparatus 1 described in the present specification may be realized usinghardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.Instructions for performing the series of control processes may bestored in advance on a tangibly embodied non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk drive, providedinside or outside the respective apparatus. During execution, theinstructions may be written into RAM (Random Access Memory) and executedby a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The virtual makeup image includes, for example, a makeup completionimage indicating a makeup completion state (i.e., a completed makeupoperation performed according to a makeup procedure) or a makeup actionimage used to indicate a makeup procedure or method during makeupapplication. The user can confirm a state after makeup completion inadvance by viewing the AR image in which a makeup completion image issuperimposed on the face image of the user. In particular, the makeupaction image is displayed to be superimposed on a real face part of theuser so that the makeup procedure or method during makeup application isstatically or dynamically displayed. As the makeup procedure isdynamically displayed to be superimposed on the face part of the user,the user can recognize a motion of his or her hand when applying makeup.Accordingly, the user can easily apply makeup by merely moving theirhand as indicated by the makeup action image, while viewing an AR imagein which the makeup action image is superimposed on the face image.Accordingly, the user makeup scheme is more improved compared to makeupadvice using language. Here, the image captured by the camera 10 isdisplayed to be reversed to left and right on the display unit 18.Accordingly, the user views his or her face as shown on a makeup mirror.The AR image displayed on the display unit 18 will be described indetail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 in “(1-4) Example of AR Image,”which will be described later.

(1-2) Example of Configuration of Makeup Support Apparatus

Next, an example of a configuration of the makeup support apparatus 1according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the makeup support apparatus 1 includes acamera 10 (i.e., a receiving unit), an image recognition unit 11, a userface information analysis unit 12, a recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit 13, a makeup scheme DB 14, a makeup image generation unit 15, adisplay control unit 17 (i.e., a display generation unit), a displayunit 18 and a manipulation unit 19. The image recognition unit 11includes a face and part recognition unit 110 and an SLAM processingunit 111. As used herein the term “unit” may be a software module, ahardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardwaremodule. Such hardware and software modules may be embodied in discretecircuitry, an integrated circuit, or as instructions executed by aprocessor.

The camera 10 is an example of an imaging unit for acquiring an image(video) by imaging a real space. The camera 10 captures a face image ofthe user. The user faces the makeup support apparatus 1 when applyingmakeup using the makeup support apparatus 1. Accordingly, the camera 10provided in the makeup support apparatus 1 captures a face of the user.The camera 10 outputs the captured image to the image recognition unit11. For example, as an example of the image obtained by imaging the faceof the user, an image (video) 181 shown to the left in FIG. 6 is outputto the image recognition unit 11.

The image recognition unit 11 performs an image recognition process onthe captured image acquired from the camera 10. Specifically, first, aface in the captured image is recognized by the face and partrecognition unit 110 of the image recognition unit 11. Once the face isrecognized, parts of the face are recognized. The face and partrecognition unit 110 may recognize the face and the face parts using aknown image recognition scheme such as pattern recognition. The face andpart recognition unit 110 outputs recognition results (the face partsand face part position information) to the user face informationanalysis unit 12. Further, the face and part recognition unit 110 mayjudge to have recognized the face in the captured image even afterrecognizing the presence of a portion of the face, such as the shoulder,neck, head, hair, or the like of the user in the captured image.

Further, three-dimensional positions and postures of the face and theface parts or a three-dimensional position and posture of the camera 10are recognized by the SLAM processing unit 111 of the image recognitionunit 11 according to a principle of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization andMapping) technology disclosed in, for example, Andrew J. Davison's“Real-Time Simultaneous Localization and Mapping with a Single Camera,”(Proceedings of the 9th IEEE international Conference on Computer VisionVolume 2, 2003, pp. 1403-1410). Accordingly, even when the face partssuch as eyes or mouth are hidden by the hand or a direction of the faceis changed while the user is applying makeup, the SLAM processing unit111 can follow the motion of the face by tracking a position in a nextimage to which an initially or subsequently recognized face part, suchas the eyes or mouth, has moved in order to recognize positions of theface parts.

The user face information analysis unit 12 analyzes face informationbased on the recognition result (face part information) output from theface and part recognition unit 110. Specifically, information on texturesuch as skin quality, skin texture and hair texture or information on ashape such as contour, layout of parts and hairdo is analyzed from theface part position and the face part image contained in the face partinformation. The user face information analysis unit 12 outputs theanalyzed face information to the recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit 13.

Makeup scheme information for each pattern is stored in the makeupscheme DB (database) 14. The recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13judges a makeup pattern to be recommended for the face informationacquired from the user face information analysis unit 12 based on themakeup scheme information stored in the makeup scheme DB 14.

As the recommended makeup pattern, a makeup pattern suitable for ageneral trend as well as a small region- or age-based community to whicha user belongs may be recommended. A region, an age or the like to whichthe user belongs is input as user information by the user.Alternatively, a sex may be input and a makeup pattern suitable for aman may be recommended.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the makeup scheme information.The makeup scheme information contains data of pattern ID: an ID of amakeup pattern, context ID: an ID of a makeup objective or environmentsuch as usual, party or outdoor, process: number of a procedure, ItemID: an ID of cosmetics (products), tool ID: an ID of a tool such as apuff or a brush, action ID: IDs of operations such as paint, slap, orpush for the tool, part ID: an ID of part of a face such as eyes oreyebrows, pressure: pressure on a tool, direction: a tool operationdirection, motion: movement of the tool, distance: a deviation from areference face part, and length: a length (distance) at which cosmeticsare applied, as shown in FIG. 3.

The context ID is information used when a user performs mode setting toset a makeup objective or environment in advance. The recommended makeuppattern judgment unit 13 judges a recommended makeup pattern byreferencing a set mode, in addition to the face information.Alternatively, the judgment of the recommended makeup pattern may be ajudgment to determine a recommendation order. In this case, for example,three upper makeup patterns are presented to the user as recommendedmakeup patterns, and if the user does not select any one from the makeuppatterns, three subsequent makeup patterns are also presented as therecommended makeup pattern.

Makeup scheme information shown in FIG. 3 is information indicating amakeup method (operation), but may be used to generate a makeupcompletion image. The recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13outputs the makeup scheme information for the recommended makeup patternto the image generation unit 15. Alternatively, the recommended makeuppattern judgment unit 13 may output an ID of the recommended makeuppattern and the image generation unit 15 may acquire the makeup schemeinformation for the recommended makeup pattern from the makeup scheme DBbased on the ID.

The image generation unit 15 draws a makeup image that is virtualinformation superimposed on the captured image based on the makeupscheme information for the recommended makeup pattern, and deforms themakeup image according to the position and posture of the face partscontained in the recognition result (three-dimensional position andposture) of the SLAM processing unit 111. Alternatively, the imagegeneration unit 15 may deform the makeup image using the recognitionresult (face part information) output from the face and part recognitionunit 110. The makeup image generated by the image generation unit 15will be described in detail in “(1-4) Example of AR image.” The imagegeneration unit 15 outputs the generated makeup image to the displaycontrol unit 17.

The display control unit 17 generates output image data and displays anAR image in which a virtual makeup image is superimposed on an imageobtained by imaging the real space on the display unit 18. Accordingly,the user can view the operation of makeup applied to the face image orthe face after applying makeup, which is displayed on the display unit18.

(1-3) Example of Flow of Process

Next, a flow of a process in the makeup support apparatus 1 according tothe first embodiment will be described using flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and5.

First, an image (captured image) obtained by imaging the face of theuser using the camera 10 is input in step S62. The captured image isthen displayed on the display unit 18 in step S64. Then, mode settingmay be performed by the user in step S65. Through mode setting,information of a makeup objective or environment such as usual, party,outdoor, or date is input (step S66), so that a makeup pattern having astyle suitable for a mode desired by the user is recommended.

On the other hand, if mode setting is not performed by the user (stepS65: No), the face parts are recognized from the captured image by theimage recognition unit 11 in step S67. Subsequently, the user faceinformation analysis unit 12 analyzes face information from the faceparts recognized by the image recognition unit 11 in step S68.

Next, in step S70, a recommended makeup pattern is judged by therecommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13, superimposed on the face ofthe user and then presented. The recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit 13 judges a makeup pattern suitable for the user from the makeuppatterns stored in the makeup scheme DB 14, as the recommended makeuppattern, in consideration of the face information output from the userface information analysis unit 12 or a set mode when mode setting isperformed by the user. The recommended makeup pattern is displayed onthe display unit 18 to be presented to the user. Here, the recommendedmakeup pattern presented on the display unit 18 may be an image obtainedby applying makeup to a face of a model created in advance, like sampleimages 182 a to 182 c shown in FIG. 6.

If a plurality of recommended makeup patterns are presented in step S72(step S72: Yes), any of the recommended makeup patterns is selected bythe user in step S74.

Next, the makeup support apparatus 1 performs a process of displaying anAR image in which a virtual makeup image created from the recommendedmakeup pattern is superimposed on an image obtained by imaging a face inthe real space on the display unit 18 in step S76 (see the AR image 183shown n FIG. 6). This simulation presenting process (AR image displayprocess) will be described using a flowchart of FIG. 5 later.

Next, if the recommended makeup pattern presented in the simulation isdetermined by the user in step S78, a makeup action image for thedetermined makeup pattern is presented in step S80. The makeup actionimage will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

On the other hand, if there is no favorite makeup pattern among thepresented recommended makeup patterns (step S78: No), subsequentrecommended makeup patterns are presented (step S70). For example, if arecommendation list has been generated by the recommended makeup patternjudgment unit 13, the recommended makeup pattern is presented in orderfrom upper makeup patterns in the list. Steps S70 to S78 are iterativelyperformed until the favorite makeup pattern is selected. Alternatively,the process is performed again from mode setting in step S66.

The process in the makeup support apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment has been described above. Next, the process of presenting thesimulation shown in the above-described step S76 will be described withreference to FIG. 5.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, a process of recognizing a face part positionfrom the captured image in the face and part recognition unit 110 isperformed in step S84. If the face part position is recognized (stepS86: Yes), an attribute of a face feature point is updated in step S88.The face feature point refers to a landmark on an object (in the presentembodiment, the face and the face part) that is a recognition target inan image tracked for three-dimensional recognition in the SLAM process.

In step S90, a process of recognizing a three-dimensional position andposture of a face part that is a recognition target in the capturedimage is performed by the SLAM processing unit 111.

If the position of the face part in the captured image can be recognizedthrough each recognition process (step S92/Yes), a virtual makeup imageis generated by the makeup image generation unit 15 in step S94. An ARimage in which a makeup image that is virtual information issuperimposed on the face of the user that is a captured image of a realspace is then displayed in step S96.

The simulation presenting process in the makeup support apparatus 1according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, anexample of the AR image displayed on the display unit 18 of the makeupsupport apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(1-4) Example of AR Image

The AR image according to the present embodiment is an image in which avirtual makeup image is superimposed on a captured image obtained byimaging a real space. The superimposed makeup image may be a makeupcompletion image generated based on the makeup scheme information forthe makeup pattern. For example, a virtual makeup completion image 185is superimposed on the face image 181 of the user, as in the AR image183 in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the user can confirm a completion state whenapplying makeup using the recommended makeup pattern, in advance.

The user can also confirm the AR image from several angles. Hereinafter,a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

If the user desires to confirm a makeup state of the face seen from theside after confirming a makeup state from a front face in the AR image183 in FIG. 6, for example, the face is directed to the side as shown inFIG. 7. Accordingly, the position and the posture of the face of theuser in the image captured by the camera 10 are changed. Here, since thesimulation presenting process shown in FIG. 4 is iteratively performed,if the position and the posture of the face of the user in the image arechanged, the change can be tracked in real time, such that a position ora shape in which the makeup image that is superimposed virtualinformation can be changed according to a change of the user in theimage. Accordingly, a virtual makeup completion image is displayed witha changed shape by tracking the position of the recognized face part, asshown in the AR image 184 of FIG. 6. Accordingly, the user can recognizethe AR image from several angles in real time.

Further, the superimposed virtual makeup image may be a makeup actionimage generated based on the makeup scheme information of the makeuppattern. For example, in the case of a makeup pattern having a patternID “P-00001” in the makeup scheme information shown in FIG. 3, a makeupaction image indicating a procedure of process 001; apply cosmeticsI-201 to tool T-221 under pressure of 20, and then process 002; applycosmetics I-201 to face part P-002 (e.g., cheek) by length (length) 21along a straight line (Motion=2) without deviation (distance=0) underpressure of 12 is superimposed and displayed. The superimposed anddisplayed makeup action image is displayed in order of the number of theprocess, but an example of a time at which a makeup action image for anext procedure is displayed will be described in a variant to bedescribed later.

A superimposed position of the makeup action image is changed ortransformed according to the change of the position and the posture ofthe face part of the user in the image (tracking display), similar tothe makeup completion image described using FIG. 6. Accordingly, forexample, as shown in FIG. 8, a makeup action image 187 a in which a handholding an eyebrow pencil moves along a makeup area indicated by adotted line is changed into a makeup action image 187 b according to thechange of the position and posture of the face part of the user in theimage. That is, the makeup action image tracks the face part.Accordingly, the user can confirm the makeup action image as a makeupmodel from several angles in real time and can apply makeup moreaccurately.

The example of the AR image has been described above. Further, thevirtual makeup image may be two-dimensional information orthree-dimensional information.

(1-5) Variant

Next, a variant of the makeup support apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. 9.FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a makeup supportapparatus according to the present variant. The makeup support apparatusaccording to the present variant includes a camera 10, an imagerecognition unit 11, a user face information analysis unit 12, arecommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13, a makeup scheme DB 14, amakeup image generation unit 15, a makeup progress degree judgment unit16, a display control unit 17, a display unit 18, and a manipulationunit 19, as shown in FIG. 9. The image recognition unit 11 includes aface and part recognition unit 110 and an SLAM processing unit 111.

The makeup progress degree judgment unit 16 compares a recognitionresult output from the image recognition unit 11 with a previouslygenerated makeup completion image to judge a progress degree of realmakeup being applied by the user. The makeup image generation unit 15modifies the superimposed and displayed makeup action image according tothe progress degree output from the makeup progress degree judgment unit16. The modification may also be based on the steps taken towardcompletion of the makeup procedure. For example, the makeup imagegeneration unit 15 may modify the superimposed and displayed makeupaction image to depict a next step in the makeup procedure to beperformed, following a determination that a particular step has beenperformed. A detailed description of other configurations will beomitted since they are the same as those described above.

According to an example configuration, as the makeup being applied bythe user approaches a completion state, portions of the makeup actionimage can be removed or made transparent, where the removed ortransparent portions may correspond to sections of the face where makeuphas been applied according to the makeup procedure. Accordingly, theuser can visually confirm to what extent the makeup currently beingapplied is approaching the completion state. Further, a time at which amakeup action image for a next procedure is displayed may be determinedaccording to the progress degree of the makeup being applied by theuser. Accordingly, if the makeup according to the shown procedure iscompleted, the makeup action image for the next procedure isautomatically displayed.

For the time at which the makeup action image for the next procedure isdisplayed as described above, a manipulation of the user may be used astrigger. For example, if the next procedure is instructed to bedisplayed, the makeup action image for the next procedure is forciblydisplayed. Further, the procedure may be skipped by the manipulation ofthe user. Further, a makeup action image for a face part approached bythe hand of the user may be displayed. If changing the procedureaccording to a makeup procedure is not desirable, an alert indicatingthat fact may be displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, an image 191 on which the makeupcompletion image is superimposed may be displayed, in addition to the ARimage 190 on which the makeup action image is superimposed. Accordingly,the user can apply makeup while confirming a makeup completion state.

2. Second Embodiment

Next, a makeup support system according to a second embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.According to the present embodiment, makeup service of a desired makeupartist can be received.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of the makeup support systemaccording to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the makeupsupport system according to the present embodiment includes a makeupsupport apparatus 1, a server 30, and a makeup scheme acquisitionapparatus 4 which are connected via a network 6.

The makeup scheme acquisition apparatus 4 includes various informationacquisition units such as a camera 40, a motion sensor 41 and a pressuresensor 42. A makeup scheme of a makeup artist is acquired by such amakeup scheme acquisition apparatus 4 and stored in a makeup scheme DB302 of the server 30. Specifically, various sensors are attached to thearea or hand of the makeup artist to acquire information such aspressure when a makeup tool contacts cosmetics, pressure when makeup isapplied to the face, and a locus. Further, a makeup procedure is imagedby the camera 40. Alternatively, various sensors may be attached tocosmetics, makeup tools, or a mannequin to acquire makeup schemeinformation of makeup artists. Further, IDs of used cosmetics, orinformation indicating that a plurality of cosmetics are used together,if any, are input.

The server 30 includes a scheme analysis unit 301 and the makeup schemeDB 302. The scheme analysis unit 301 analyzes a makeup scheme from thevarious information acquired by the makeup scheme acquisition apparatus4 and digitizes the makeup scheme with reference to a generalized faceimage. The makeup scheme DB 302 stores the makeup scheme informationanalyzed by the scheme analysis unit 301.

Next, a configuration of a makeup support apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the makeupsupport apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes acamera 10, an image recognition unit 11, a user face informationanalysis unit 12, a recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13, amakeup image generation unit 15, a display control unit 17, a displayunit 18, a manipulation unit 19, and a communication unit 20. The imagerecognition unit 11 includes a face and part recognition unit 110 and anSLAM processing unit 111.

The communication unit 20 establishes a communication connection withthe server 30. The communication in the communication unit 20 may bewired or wireless communication, but usually exchanges information withthe server 30 using wireless communication such as a wireless LAN orBluetooth (registered trademark). This enables communication forreceiving makeup service of a makeup artist desired by the user.Specifically, the communication unit 20 receives the makeup schemeinformation from the server 30. A description of other configurationswill be omitted since they are the same as those of the makeup supportapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

As described above, the makeup scheme information acquired from eachmakeup artist is stored in the makeup scheme DB 302 of the server 30. Onthe other hand, in the makeup support apparatus 1, a list of selectablemakeup artists is displayed on the display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 11,and makeup scheme information of the artist selected by the user isacquired from the server 30. Accordingly, a recommended makeup patternjudgment unit of the makeup support apparatus 1 can judge a makeuppattern suitable for the user from makeup patterns based on the makeupscheme information of the makeup artist desired by the user.

Further, in the present embodiment, since at least the makeup schemeinformation acquired from the makeup artist may be stored in the makeupscheme DB, the makeup scheme acquisition apparatus 4 shown in FIG. 11 isnot necessarily an indispensable component.

3. Third Embodiment

Next, a makeup support system according to a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.According to the present embodiment, makeup scheme information can beexchanged among users.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a makeup support systemaccording to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the makeupsupport system according to the present embodiment includes makeupsupport apparatuses 1A to 1D for respective users and a server 31, whichare connected via a network 6.

A configuration of the makeup support apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the makeupsupport apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes acamera 10, an image recognition unit 11, a user face informationanalysis unit 12, a recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13, amakeup image generation unit 15, a display control unit 17, a displayunit 18, a manipulation unit 19 and a communication unit 20. The imagerecognition unit 11 includes a face and part recognition unit 110 and anSLAM processing unit 111.

The camera 10 acquires an image of makeup done by a user and outputs theimage to the communication unit 20. The communication unit 20establishes a communication connection with the server 30 and transmitsthe captured image output from the camera 10 to the server 30. Further,the communication unit 20 receives makeup scheme information of otherusers from the makeup scheme DB 312 of the server 30. This makes itpossible to exchange the makeup scheme information with the other users.The recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13 judges a makeup patternsuitable for the user from the makeup patterns based on the makeupscheme information of the other users acquired by the communication unit20. A description of other configurations will be omitted since they arethe same as those of the makeup support apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

The server 31 includes a scheme analysis unit 311 and a makeup scheme DB312. The scheme analysis unit 311 analyzes a makeup scheme from thecaptured image obtained by imaging a makeup action of the usertransmitted from each makeup support apparatus 1, and digitizes themakeup scheme with reference to a generalized face image. The schemeanalysis unit 311, for example, compares a professional's makeup actionimage or a reference makeup action image with the makeup action image ofthe user to calculate a difference therebetween, and digitizes themakeup scheme. The makeup scheme DB 312 stores the makeup schemeinformation analyzed by the scheme analysis unit 311.

Alternatively, the makeup support apparatus 1 may include varioussensors such as motion sensors and pressure sensors, and transmitinformation acquired by the various sensors when the user applies makeupto the server 31. In this case, the scheme analysis unit 311 analyzes amakeup scheme from various information transmitted from the makeupsupport apparatus 1 and digitizes the makeup scheme with reference to ageneralized face image.

As described above, the makeup scheme information acquired from eachuser is stored in the makeup scheme DB 312 of the server 31. Meanwhile,in the makeup support apparatus 1A, a list of other selectable users isdisplayed on the display unit 18, as shown in FIG. 13, and the makeupscheme information of the other user selected by the user is acquiredfrom the server 31. Accordingly, the recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit of the makeup support apparatus 1 can judge a makeup patternsuitable for the user from the makeup patterns based on the makeupscheme information of the other user, such as a friend of the user.Accordingly, the makeup support system can be further utilized, such asfriendly competition in the makeup scheme with friends, imitating makeupschemes of other users, or being famous among nonprofessional amateurs.

4. Fourth Embodiment

Next, a makeup support system according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.According to the present embodiment, information of appropriatecosmetics and cosmetics sale service can be provided.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overview of the makeup support systemaccording to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the makeupsupport system according to the present embodiment includes a makeupsupport apparatus 1, a server 32 and a sale management apparatus 5 foreach cosmetics shop, which are connected via a network 6.

A configuration of the makeup support apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment is shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the makeupsupport apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes acamera 10, an image recognition unit 11, a user face informationanalysis unit 12, a recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13, amakeup image generation unit 15, a display control unit 17, a displayunit 18, a manipulation unit 19, a communication unit 20, and acosmetics information providing unit 21. The image recognition unit 11includes a face and part recognition unit 110 and an SLAM processingunit 111.

The communication unit 20 establishes a communication connection withthe server 32 and exchanges information with the server 32.Specifically, the communication unit 20 performs reception of makeupscheme information, transmission of a makeup ID, and reception ofcosmetics information from/to the server 32.

The recommended makeup pattern judgment unit 13 judges a recommendedmakeup pattern based on the makeup scheme information received by thecommunication unit 20. Further, the recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit 13 outputs a cosmetics ID (see FIG. 7) of a makeup pattern judgedto be a recommended makeup pattern to the server 32 via thecommunication unit 20.

The cosmetics information providing unit 21 provides the user with thecosmetics information transmitted from the server 32 according to thecosmetics ID output from the makeup recommended pattern judgment unit13. For example, maker, brand name, product name, price, productexplanation and the like are displayed as cosmetics information on thedisplay unit 18, as shown in FIG. 15. Accordingly, information ofappropriate cosmetics to be used when the makeup based on therecommended makeup pattern is applied by the user is provided. Further,as shown in FIG. 15, a buy button 192 is displayed together with thecosmetics information on the display unit 18, such that the user caneasily perform a procedure of purchasing appropriate cosmetics.

A description of other configurations of the makeup support apparatus 1according to the present embodiment will be omitted since they are thesame as those of the makeup support apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment.

The server 32 includes a makeup scheme DB 322 and a cosmeticsinformation DB 323. The makeup scheme DB 322 stores the makeup schemeinformation, similar to the makeup scheme DB in each embodimentdescribed above. The makeup information DB 323 stores cosmeticsinformation corresponding to each cosmetics ID contained in the makeupscheme information stored in the makeup scheme DB 322.

The sale management apparatus 5 performs product sale managementaccording to a cosmetics purchase request from the makeup supportapparatus 1. The sale management apparatus 5 may be owned by eachcosmetics shop. Alternatively, a normal net sale system (onlineshopping) may be used.

As described above, the makeup support apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment sells cosmetics necessary for the user to realize therecommended makeup pattern to thereby perform makeup support.

5. Fifth Embodiment

Next, a makeup support system according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described. A makeup support apparatus 1according to the present embodiment judges a recommended makeup patternin consideration of effects of makeup on skin.

Specifically, skin quality, skin texture and t like that are ideal, forexample, after five years or ten years are set (a predicted value of afuture face image), and skin quality, skin texture and the like (apredicted value of a current face image), for example, after five yearsor ten years predicted from current face information are calculated tojudge a makeup pattern that hides the differences therebetween as therecommended makeup pattern. In addition to current face information,information having an influence on the skin, such as age, sex, race, andlife pattern, may be input by the user.

Accordingly, from a long-term view, a makeup pattern consideringtemporal changes of the skin can be recommended

6. Sixth Embodiment

Next, a makeup support system according to a sixth embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described. In a makeup support apparatus 1according to the present embodiment, a user's favorite face image suchas a face photograph of an entertainer is input by the user, and amakeup pattern causing the face of the user to be as close as possibleto the user's favorite face is judged to be a recommended makeup patternfrom an analysis result for the face image and the face information ofthe user.

Accordingly, a makeup pattern close to the user's favorite face can berecommended.

7. Summary

As described above, the makeup support apparatus 1 according to theembodiment of the present disclosure performs simulation of a stateafter makeup completion using the AR technology, thereby improving themakeup support scheme. Further, a procedure during makeup application isdisplayed using the AR technology, thereby further improving the makeupsupport scheme.

In the respective embodiments described above, all the processes areperformed in the makeup support apparatus 1, but the present disclosureis not limited to such examples. For example, a process with a heavyload among the processes performed in the makeup support apparatus 1 maybe performed by the server connected via the network, or performed in adistributive manner via remote devices or servers in, for example, acloud computing configuration. For example, the captured image capturedby the camera 10 may be transmitted from the makeup support apparatus 1to the server, and user face information of the captured image may beanalyzed by the server to judge a recommended makeup pattern. In thiscase, the server transmits the makeup scheme information of the makeuppattern judged to be the recommended makeup pattern from the capturedimage transmitted from the makeup support apparatus 1, to the makeupsupport apparatus 1. Further, the server may generate the makeup imagefrom the recommended makeup pattern and transmit the makeup image to themakeup support apparatus 1. Further, the makeup scheme DB 14 for storingthe makeup scheme information may be disposed in the server.

As the process with a heavy load is performed by the server as describedabove, power consumption of the makeup support apparatus 1 can bereduced and hardware resources necessary for the makeup supportapparatus 1 can be reduced. Further, if the makeup scheme DB 14 forstoring the makeup schemes is disposed in the server, storage capacityof the makeup support apparatus 1 can be reduced and the same makeupscheme information can be easily used or managed between makeup supportapparatuses.

The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosureis not limited to such examples. It should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various modifications, combinations,sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on designrequirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope ofthe appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Also, any reference inthe claims to articles, such as “a” or “an,” is to be construed asmeaning “one or more.”

For example, the present technology can adopt the followingconfigurations.

-   (1) An information processing apparatus comprising:

an imaging unit for capturing an image;

an image recognition unit for sequentially acquiring images from theimaging unit and recognizing parts of a face in the acquired image; and

a display control unit for displaying a virtual makeup image trackingthe face in the image based on a position of the face parts contained ina recognition result output from the image recognition unit, the virtualmakeup image being superimposed on the image.

-   (2) The information processing apparatus according to the (1),    wherein the display control unit displays a makeup completion image    as the virtual makeup image.-   (3) The information processing apparatus according to the (1),    wherein the display control unit displays a makeup action image as    the virtual makeup image.-   (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one of    the (1) to (3), further comprising an image generation unit for    generating the virtual makeup image based on makeup scheme    information.-   (5) The information processing apparatus according to the (4),    further comprising:

an analysis unit for analyzing face information based on the recognitionresult output from the image recognition unit; and

a recommended makeup pattern judgment unit for judging a recommendedmakeup pattern according to an analysis result output from the analysisunit,

wherein the makeup pattern includes the makeup scheme information, and

wherein the image generation unit generates the virtual makeup imagebased on makeup scheme information of a makeup pattern judged to be arecommended makeup pattern by the recommended makeup pattern judgmentunit.

-   (6) The information processing apparatus according to the (4) or    (5), further comprising:

a makeup progress degree judgment unit for judging a makeup progressdegree by comparing the image captured by the imaging unit with apreviously generated makeup completion image,

wherein the display control unit sequentially displays makeup actionimages to be superimposed on the image, the makeup action images beingchanged according to a judgment result from the makeup progress degreejudgment unit.

-   (7) The information processing apparatus according to the (6),    wherein order of the makeup action images sequentially displayed by    the display control unit is changed according to a manipulation of    the user.-   (8) An information processing method comprising:

capturing an image;

sequentially acquiring images through the capturing step and recognizingparts of a face in the acquired image; and

displaying a virtual makeup image tracking the face in the image basedon a position of the face parts contained in a recognition result outputin the recognition step, the virtual makeup image being superimposed onthe image.

-   (9) An information processing system comprising:

an information processing apparatus including

an imaging unit for capturing an image,

an image recognition unit for sequentially acquiring images from theimaging unit and recognizing parts of a face in the acquired image, and

a display control unit for displaying a virtual makeup image trackingthe face in the image based on a position of the face parts contained ina recognition result output from the image recognition unit, the virtualmakeup image being superimposed on the image; and

a server including

an analysis unit for analyzing face information based on the recognitionresult output from the image recognition unit, and

a recommended makeup pattern judgment unit for judging a recommendedmakeup pattern according to an analysis result output from the analysisunit,

wherein the information processing apparatus generates the virtualmakeup image based on makeup scheme information of the recommendedmakeup pattern acquired from the server.

-   (10) A program for causing a computer to function as an information    processing apparatus comprising:

an imaging unit for capturing an image;

an image recognition unit for sequentially acquiring images from theimaging unit and recognizing parts of a face in the acquired image; and

a display control unit for displaying a virtual makeup image trackingthe face in the image based on a position of the face parts contained ina recognition result output from the image recognition unit, the virtualmakeup image being superimposed on the image.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. An information processing apparatus comprising: circuitry configured to: acquire, from an image pick-up device, a face image of a face of a user captured by the image pick-up device; control a display to display an augmented reality (AR) makeup image by superimposing the AR makeup image on the face image based on a user operation; and control the display to display cosmetics information and a button in conjunction with the displayed cosmetics information, the button provided for making a purchase of cosmetics corresponding to the displayed cosmetics information.
 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: control the display to change a position or a shape in which the AR makeup image is displayed based on a change in a position or a posture of the face of the user in the face image captured by the image pick-up device.
 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the AR makeup image is displayed to be overlaid on the face image of the user and refers to the cosmetics selected based on the user operation.
 20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the cosmetics information comprises at least one of a maker, a brand name, a product name, a price, and a product explanation.
 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: the image pick-up device configured to capture the face image of the face of the user.
 22. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: initiate transmission of the captured face image of the face of the user to a server that stores a database thereon.
 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: control the display to display at a plurality of the cosmetics information corresponding to a plurality of the cosmetics.
 24. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the control of the display to display the AR makeup image is iteratively performed.
 25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a program, which when executed by a computer causes the computer to execute a method, the method comprising: acquiring, from an image pick-up device, a face image of a face of a user captured by the image pick-up device; controlling a display to display an augmented reality (AR) makeup image by superimposing the AR makeup image on the face image based on a user operation; and controlling the display to display cosmetics information and a button in conjunction with the displayed cosmetics information, the button provided for making a purchase of cosmetics corresponding to the displayed cosmetics information.
 26. An information processing system comprising: an image-pick-up device configured to capture a face image of a face of a use; and a display configured to display an augmented reality (AR) makeup image by superimposing the AR makeup image on the face image based on a user operation, and display cosmetics information and a button in conjunction with the displayed cosmetics information, the button provided for making a purchase of cosmetics corresponding to the displayed cosmetics information. 